JP6915380B2 - Anemometer and anemometer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an anemometer and an anemometer.

Conventionally, a device for detecting a wind speed and a wind speed using a temperature sensitive element has been known. For example, in the anemometer described in Patent Document 1, a heater is arranged at the center of the heat conductor, and thermocouples are attached to a plurality of locations on the surface of the heat conductor that come into contact with the wind. In this anemometer, the heat generated by the heater arranged in the center of the heat conductor is transferred to the thermocouple via the heat conductor, and the thermocouple is cooled by the wind. The wind direction and speed can be measured based on the temperature detected by these thermocouples.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-0119195

However, as a result of the examination by the inventor, it has been found that the anemometer as described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems.

First, in a wind direction wind speed meter as described in Patent Document 1, the heat generated by the heater arranged at the center of the heat conductor is transferred to the thermocouple via the heat conductor, so that the heat capacity of the heat conductor is large. Then, it takes time for the temperature of the thermocouple to change according to the wind direction and speed. Therefore, the response of the anemometer is slow.

The present invention has been made in view of the above point, the purpose to be faster than the conventional responding device for detecting the wind speed or wind direction using a temperature sensitive element.

The invention according to claim 1 for achieving the above Symbol purpose is disposed in a position affected thermally from the air flowing, temperature-sensitive element whose electric resistance value varies according to its temperature ( 3-1, ..., 3-16), a housing (2) having a heat capacity larger than that of the temperature sensitive element, and a processing unit (81) that detects the wind velocity of the air based on the temperature of the temperature sensitive element. The temperature sensitive element is arranged on the surface of the housing, and when the processing unit detects the wind velocity, it is energized from a power source (82, 82-1, ..., 82-16, 83). The anemometer is characterized in that it generates heat and the thermal resistance of the housing is larger than the thermal resistance of the air.

As described above, since the temperature sensitive element itself is energized to generate heat, the heat capacity between the heat source other than air and the temperature sensitive element is eliminated. Therefore, the response of the anemometer to a change in wind speed becomes faster.

The invention described in Claim 3 for achieving the above Symbol purpose is disposed in a position to receive a thermally affected from the air flowing through a plurality of electric resistance value varies according to its temperature Based on the temperature sensitive elements (3-1, ..., 3-16), the housing (2) having a larger heat capacity than each of the plurality of temperature sensitive elements, and the temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensitive elements. A processing unit (81) for detecting the wind direction of the air is provided, and the plurality of temperature sensitive elements are arranged on the surface of the housing, and when the processing unit detects the wind direction, a power source (82) is provided. , 82-1, ..., 82-16, 83), and heat is generated, and the thermal resistance of the housing is larger than the thermal resistance of the air .

As described above, since the temperature sensitive element itself is energized to generate heat, the heat capacity between the heat source other than air and the temperature sensitive element is eliminated. Therefore, the anemometer responds faster to changes in the wind direction.

The reference numerals in parentheses in this column and in the claims indicate the correspondence between the terms described in the claims and the concrete objects described in the embodiments described later and which are examples of the terms. Is.

It is an overall block diagram of the wind direction anemometer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure when the anemometer is seen from the upper part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the shape of a temperature sensitive element. It is a figure which shows the structure of the measuring part. It is a graph which shows the fluctuation of the current value supplied from a current source. It is a flowchart of the process executed by the processing unit. It is a graph which shows the time-dependent change of the temperature in a temperature sensitive element. It is a figure which shows the thermal network when the conventional anemometer is applied. It is a figure which shows the thermal network when the wind direction anemometer of an embodiment is applied. It is a figure which shows the time-dependent change of the difference between a surface temperature and an outside air temperature. It is a block diagram of the housing, the temperature sensitive element, the column, and the wiring of the anemometer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure when the anemometer is seen from the lower part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the measuring part. It is a graph which shows the fluctuation of the resistance value of a temperature sensitive element. It is a flowchart of the process executed by the processing unit. It is a figure which shows the structure of the measuring part which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a graph which shows the fluctuation of the current value supplied from a current source. It is a flowchart of the process executed by the processing unit.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the anemometer 1 has a housing 2, 16 temperature sensitive elements 3-1 and ..., 3-16, columns 4, wiring 6, cables 7, and a measuring unit 8. There is. The anemometer 1 measures the direction and speed of the wind flowing around the anemometer 1, and outputs the measurement result as an electric signal. The anemometer 1 may be mounted on a vehicle or may be mounted on something other than the vehicle.

The housing 2 is an electrical insulator having a circular cross-sectional shape with respect to the direction to be measured. Specifically, the housing 2 is a resin sphere. The resin used for the housing 2 is, for example, polyamide or PEEK. PEEK is an abbreviation for polyetheretherketone.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the 16 temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 are dispersedly attached to the surface of the housing 2. As a result, the temperature sensing elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 come into contact with the air (that is, the outside air) flowing around the housing 2. Therefore, the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 are thermally affected by the outside air by exchanging heat with the outside air by heat conduction.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the center positions of the temperature sensing elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 are arranged at equal intervals from 0 ° to 337.5 ° with the azimuths shifted by 22.5 degrees. ing. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the center positions of the temperature sensing elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 is arranged at any of the polar angles of −45 °, 0 °, and 45 °. The polar angles are displaced by 45 degrees with respect to the temperature sensing elements whose azimuths are adjacent to each other. Further, the temperature sensitive element whose central position has a polar angle of −45 ° and the two temperature sensitive elements whose azimuths are adjacent to each other have a polar angle of 0 ° at the central position. Further, the temperature sensing element whose central position has a polar angle of 45 ° and the two temperature sensing elements whose azimuths are adjacent to each other also have a polar angle of 0 ° at the center position. Further, the temperature sensing element whose central position has a polar angle of 0 ° and the two temperature sensing elements whose azimuths are adjacent to each other have a polar angle of one center position of −45 ° and the other center position. The polar angle is 45 °.

More specifically, each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, 3-5, 3-9, and 3-13 has a polar angle at the center position of −45 °. Further, each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-2, 3-4, 3-6, 3-8, 3-10, 3-12, 3-14, and 3-16 has a polar angle of 0 ° at the center position. .. Further, each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-3, 3-7, 3-11, and 3-15 has a polar angle at the center position of 45 °.

Here, the polar angle and the azimuth are the polar angle θ and the azimuth angle φ in the spherical coordinate display centered on the center of the housing 2. More specifically, the polar angle in a certain direction is the angle formed by that direction and the z-axis direction, and the azimuth angle in that direction is formed by the direction in which the direction is projected onto the xy plane and the x-axis direction. The angle. In the present embodiment, the z-axis is an axis that passes through the center of the housing 2 and extends in the vertical direction in FIG. 1, the x-axis is an axis that passes through the center and is orthogonal to the z-axis, and the y-axis is the center. It is an axis orthogonal to the z-axis and the x-axis. The xy plane is a plane including the x-axis and the y-axis.

Each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 is made of a conductive metal such as platinum or nickel. Each of the temperature sensing elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 extends from one end to the other while meandering as shown in FIG. Each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 is an electric resistance that generates heat when energized. Then, the temperature of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 rises due to the heat derived from other than the air flowing around the housing 2, that is, the heat generated by itself by energizing itself. The electric resistance value (hereinafter, simply referred to as the resistance value) of the metal used for the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 increases as the temperature rises. That is, the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 have electrical characteristics, that is, resistance values, which change according to their own temperature.

The support column 4 is a cylindrical member fixed to the lower end of the housing 2 (that is, the end on the opposite side in the z-axis direction). The strut 4 extends parallel to the z-axis.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the wiring 6 connects the temperature-sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 in series, and connects each of the temperature-sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. Connect to the measuring unit 8. The wiring 6 extends from both ends of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1 and ..., 3-16 and extends along the surface of the housing 2, and a part of the wiring 6 is connected to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1 and ..., 3-16. The remaining part enters the inside of the housing 2. Then, the wiring 6 passes through the inside of the support column 4 after entering the inside of the housing 2, is gathered by the cable 7, and is drawn into the measurement unit 8.

As shown in FIG. 4, the measuring unit 8 has 16 voltmeters V1, ..., V16, a processing unit 81, and a current source 82. The voltmeters V1, ..., V16 have a one-to-one correspondence with the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 in this order. From each of the voltmeters V1, ..., V16, a signal corresponding to the voltage between both ends of the corresponding temperature sensitive element is input to the processing unit 81.

As described above, each of the voltmeters V1, ..., V16 is an electrical physical quantity meter that detects the electrical physical quantity (that is, voltage) of one of the current and the voltage exerted on the corresponding temperature sensitive element. Then, the current source 82 uses the electric physical quantity (that is, current) of the other of the currents and voltages exerted on the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16, which is different from the electrical physical quantity (that is, voltage) of one of the above. It is a power supply to control.

The processing unit 81 is a well-known microcomputer equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like. The CPU executes the program recorded in the ROM, and uses the RAM as a work area at that time. When the CPU executes the program, the processing unit 81 executes various processes described later.

The current source 82 is a circuit that supplies a predetermined current to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. The current value of the current supplied from the current source 82 can be controlled by the processing unit 81.

The operation of the anemometer 1 having the above configuration will be described below. First, the processing unit 81 controls the current source 82 so that the current values supplied to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 change as shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the current source 82 alternately switches between a _{constant high current value I 1} and a constant low current value I ₀ lower than the high current value I _{1 every 0.25 seconds.} It is supplied to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. As a result, the current value of the current supplied from the current source 82 to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 fluctuates in a cycle of 0.5 seconds.

In each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16, the heat generation per unit time is higher when _{the high current value I 1} is flowing than when the low current value I _{0 is flowing.} The amount is large.

The fluctuation cycle of the current value supplied from the current source 82 is not limited to 0.5 seconds. Further, the ratio of the time length realized by the _{high current value I 1} and the time length realized by the low current value I ₀ in one cycle of the current value fluctuation may be the same or different.

Further, the processing unit 81 is based on the signals input from the voltmeters V1, ..., V16 during the period of controlling the current source 82 as described above, and the temperature sensing elements 3-1, ..., 3- The 16 voltage values applied to both ends of 16 are repeatedly specified. Then, the processing unit 81 sets a set of the specified 16 voltage values and the current values flowing from the current source 82 to the temperature sensing elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 when the voltage values are realized in the RAM. Record in a predetermined history area.

The period in which the timing for specifying the voltage value occurs is the time when the high current value I ₁ is realized and the low current value in each cycle of the fluctuation of the current value supplied to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. It is short enough that the voltage can be specified once or multiple times at each point in time when _{I 0 is realized.} The timing for specifying the voltage value is the sampling timing. The period in which the sampling timing occurs is the sampling period.

Further, the processing unit 81 repeatedly executes the processing shown in FIG. 6 (for example, at 1-second intervals longer than 0.5 seconds) during the period in which the current source 82 is controlled as described above. In the processing of FIG. 6, the processing unit 81 first in step 105, first, in step 105, a plurality of predetermined continuous fluctuation periods (for example, the most recent) specified for each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 in the past. The voltage value and the current value recorded in the history area at each sampling timing in (3 cycles) are acquired from the RAM. The fluctuation cycle is a fluctuation cycle of the current value supplied to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16.

Subsequently, in step 110, the processing unit 81 calculates the temperatures of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 at each sampling timing based on the voltage value and the current value acquired in the immediately preceding step 105. As a result, the processing unit 81 sets the time point at which the high current value I 1 is realized and the low current value I _{1 in} each of the plurality of continuous fluctuation cycles in the past of each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. The temperature at both times when _{0 is realized can be obtained.}

The method for calculating the temperature of the temperature sensitive element at that time from the voltage value and the current value at each sampling timing of each temperature sensitive element is as follows. First, the processing unit 81 divides the voltage value applied to both ends of the temperature sensitive element at that time by the current value flowing through the temperature sensitive element at that time. As a result, the resistance value of the temperature sensitive element at that time can be obtained. Next, the processing unit 81 specifies the temperature corresponding to the resistance value using the temperature resistance value table. The temperature resistance value table is stored in advance in the ROM of the processing unit 81, and the temperatures of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 and the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 at that temperature are stored in advance. This is data that defines a one-to-one correspondence with the realized resistance value.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the time-dependent change in temperature of a certain temperature-sensitive element obtained in step 110 in this way. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the temperatures in the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 show changes in which the maximum value and the minimum value periodically alternate. When the wind speed of a certain temperature-sensitive element changes, the maximum value T1 and the minimum value T2 in the temperature change of the temperature-sensitive element change, and as a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the difference between the maximum value T1 and the minimum value T2 is Td1. Changes from to Td2.

Following step 110, the processing unit 81, in step 115, based on the voltage value and the current value acquired in the immediately preceding step 105, per unit time of the temperature sensing elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 at each sampling timing. Calculate the calorific value of. Hereinafter, the amount of heat generated per unit time is referred to as a heat flow rate. As a result, the processing unit 81 sets the time point at which the high current value I 1 is realized and the low current value I _{1 in} each of the plurality of continuous fluctuation cycles in the past of each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. The heat flow at both times when _{0 is realized can be obtained.}

The method of calculating the heat flow rate of the temperature sensitive element at that time from the voltage value and the current value at each sampling timing of each temperature sensitive element is as follows. That is, the processing unit 81 multiplies the voltage value applied to both ends of the temperature sensitive element at that time by the current value flowing through the temperature sensitive element at that time. As a result, the heat flow rate of the temperature sensitive element at that time can be obtained.

Subsequently, the processing unit 81 uses the temperature acquired in the immediately preceding step 110 in step 120 to obtain all the maximum temperatures T1 and all the minimum temperatures T2 for each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. Is extracted. The unit of T1 and T2 is [K].

All sampling timings at which the temperature is maximized for each temperature sensitive element are the final samplings before the _{current value supplied from the current source 82 switches from the high current value I 1} to the low current value I _{0 in each fluctuation cycle.} The timing. In addition, all sampling timings at which the temperature of each temperature sensitive element is minimized are the last before the _{current value supplied from the current source 82 switches from the low current value I 0} to the high current value I _{1 in each fluctuation cycle.} Sampling timing.

Subsequently, the processing unit 81 uses the heat flow rate acquired in the immediately preceding step 115 in step 125 to obtain all the maximum heat flow rates Q1 and all the minimum heat flow rates for each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. Calculate the heat flow rate Q2. The unit of Q1 and Q2 is [W]. The maximum heat flow rate Q1 corresponds to the first heat flow rate, and the minimum heat flow rate Q2 corresponds to the second heat flow rate.

All sampling timings at which the heat flow is maximized in each temperature sensitive element are the last sampling timings before the _{current value supplied from the current source 82 switches from the high current value I 1} to the low current value I _{0 in each fluctuation cycle.} Sampling timing. In addition, the temperature of the temperature sensitive element is also maximized at all sampling timings when the heat flow rate of the temperature sensitive element is maximized.

All sampling timings at which the heat flow is minimized in each temperature sensitive element are the last sampling timings before the _{current value supplied from the current source 82 switches from the low current value I 0} to the high current value I _{1 in each fluctuation cycle.} Sampling timing. Further, the temperature of the temperature sensitive element is also minimized at all sampling timings when the heat flow rate of the temperature sensitive element is minimized.

Subsequently, in step 130, the processing unit 81 sets a plurality of h = (Q2-Q1) for each of the temperature sensing elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 based on the calculation results of the immediately preceding steps 120 and 125. / {(T2-T1) × S}} is calculated. Here, S is the surface area of the temperature-sensitive element, which is recorded in advance in the ROM of the processing unit 81. The quantity h calculated in this way is a heat transfer coefficient whose ^{unit is [W / (m 2 · K)].} The amount h calculated for a certain temperature sensitive element is the heat transfer coefficient from the temperature sensitive element to the surrounding air.

The plurality of heat transfer coefficients h calculated for a certain temperature-sensitive element are the plurality of maximum temperatures T1 extracted in steps 120 and 125, the plurality of minimum temperatures T2, the plurality of maximum heat flow rates Q1, and the plurality of maximum heat flow rates Q1. It is calculated from a plurality of minimum heat flow rates Q2.

Specifically, each of the plurality of heat transfer coefficients h is the maximum temperature T1 and the maximum heat flow rate Q1 at a certain sampling timing, and then the minimum temperature T2 and the minimum temperature T2 at the first sampling timing when the minimum temperature and the minimum heat flow rate are realized. It is calculated from the minimum heat flow rate Q2 by the above formula h = (Q2-Q1) / {(T2-T1) × S}.

It is known that the heat transfer coefficient h of each temperature sensing element changes depending on the wind speed of the wind flowing around the temperature sensing element. It is known that the higher the wind speed, the higher the heat transfer coefficient.

Therefore, the wind speed calculated by the processing unit 81 increases as the absolute value of the amount obtained by subtracting Q1 from Q2 increases, and decreases as the absolute value of the amount obtained by subtracting T1 from T2 increases.

The heat transfer coefficient h is temperature sensitive device 3-1, ..., is the amount of temperature (i.e., outside air temperature) does not correlate with T _A wind flowing around 3-16. The heat transfer coefficient h uncorrelated to the correlation vital outside temperature T _A to the wind speed the reason why can be calculated in this manner will be described below.

First, the heat flow Q flowing from an object in the surrounding, the heat transfer coefficient from the object to the surrounding air h, the temperature T of the object, between the ambient temperature (i.e., outside air temperature) T _A of the object , it is known that there is a relation _{Q = h × (T-T} A) × S.

Based on this relationship, the temperature of the object over time varies, and, if the outside air temperature T _A does not vary over time, the following two equations are compatible.
_{Q1 = h × (T1-T} A) × S
_{Q2 = h × (T2-T} A) × S
Here, Q1 and T1 are the heat flow rate flowing from the object to the surroundings and the temperature of the object at a certain time point. Further, Q2 and T2 are the heat flow rate flowing from the object to the surroundings and the temperature of the object at different time points, respectively.

When these two equations is simultaneous erasing T _A, the
h = (Q2-Q1) / {(T2-T1) x S}
Is obtained. In step 130 described above, the heat transfer coefficient h of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 and the air around them is calculated using this equation.

This calculation method, outside air temperature T _A variation period is the temperature sensitive device 3-1, ..., enough (e.g. 10 times higher) than the fluctuation period of the heating value of 3-16 accuracy is high is longer. With this calculation method, without knowing the outside temperature T _A can be calculated heat transfer coefficient h.

Therefore, in the anemometer 1 of the present embodiment, the outside air temperature sensor is unnecessary and is not actually provided. Since the outside air temperature sensor is not required, even in the engine room of a vehicle where the spatial distribution of the outside air temperature is remarkable, by arranging the wind direction and anemometer 1 at multiple positions in the engine room, a simple configuration that does not require the outside air temperature sensor. Therefore, the wind direction and speed can be measured at multiple points.

Subsequently, in step 135, statistical representative values (for example, average value, center) of a plurality of heat transfer coefficients h calculated for the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 based on the calculation result of the immediately preceding step 130. Value, maximum value, minimum value) hm is calculated.

Subsequently, in step 140, the processing unit 81 determines the speed (that is, the wind speed) of the wind flowing around the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 based on the statistical representative value hm calculated in the immediately preceding step 135. , Derived based on the wind speed table.

The wind speed table is stored in advance in the ROM of the processing unit 81, and is data that defines a one-to-one correspondence between the heat transfer coefficient and the wind speed. The processing unit 81 derives the wind speed corresponding to the statistical representative value hm by applying the statistical representative value hm calculated in the immediately preceding step 135 as the heat transfer coefficient to the wind speed table. In this way, the wind speed around the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 can be obtained.

In the following steps 145 and 150, the processing unit 81 derives the wind direction around the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. Specifically, in step 145, the processing unit 81 first, among the temperatures of the 16 temperature sensing elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 at the predetermined sampling timing, the four temperatures Tx1 in order from the lowest. Extract Tx2, Tx3, and Tx4. Here, it is assumed that the temperatures Tx1, Tx2, Tx3, and Tx4 are all different values. The predetermined sampling timing may be, for example, the latest sampling timing.

Subsequently, in step 150, the wind direction is calculated based on the four extracted temperatures. The calculation method utilizes the fact that the temperature Ts of each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 is approximated by a function of the polar angle θ and the azimuth angle φ as shown in the following equation (1).
Ts = a × (θ ² + φ ² ) + b × θ + c × φ + d (1)
Here, Ts is the temperature of the target temperature sensing element, and θ and φ are the polar angle and the azimuth angle of the center position of the temperature sensing element. Further, a, b, c and d are constants.

Specifically, the processing unit 81 uses the above equation (1) to set three values of the temperature, the polar angle of the center position, and the azimuth angle of the center position for the temperature sensing element showing the temperatures Tx1, Tx2, Tx3, and Tx4. substitute. As a result, four simultaneous equations (2), (3), (4), and (5) relating to a, b, c, and d are obtained.
Tx1 = a × (θ ₁ ² + φ ₁ ² ) + b × θ ₁ + c × φ ₁ + d (2)
Tx2 = a × (θ ₂ ² + φ ₂ ² ) + b × θ ₂ + c × φ ₂ + d (3)
Tx3 = a × (θ ₃ ² + φ ₃ ² ) + b × θ ₃ + c × φ ₃ + d (4)
Tx4 = a × (θ ₄ ² + φ ₄ ² ) + b × θ ₄ + c × φ ₄ + d (5)
The processing unit 81 solves the simultaneous equations to calculate a, b, c, and d. Then, the calculated a, b, c, and d are substituted into the equation (1), and θ and φ at which the total derivative of the first order of the equation (1) becomes zero are calculated. The processing unit 81 determines the direction from the calculated positions θ and φ toward the center of the housing 2 as the wind direction. After step 150, one process of FIG. 6 is completed.

By such processing, the processing unit 81 can repeatedly and periodically measure the wind speed and the wind direction around the housing 2 and the temperature sensitive elements 3-1 ..., 3-16. The processing unit 81 periodically outputs the wind speed and the wind direction calculated as described above to an external device of the measuring unit 8. For example, when the anemometer 1 is mounted on the vehicle, the processing unit 81 may output the wind speed and the wind direction calculated as described above to a device that displays the wind speed and the wind direction to the occupant in the vehicle interior.

The wind direction anemometer 1 having the above configuration and operation has a faster response to a change in wind speed and a faster response to a change in wind direction than the anemometer 1 described in Patent Document 1. The reason for this will be described below.

First, the anemometer described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a heater (that is, a central heat source) that generates heat in the center of the resin housing, and heat is generated from this center and the surface of the resin housing exposed to the outside air is cooled. As a result, a temperature field is formed on the surface of the resin housing. In such a configuration, the heat capacity of the resin housing itself hinders the temperature change on the surface of the resin housing, so that the response to the change in the wind direction and the wind speed is slow. That is, even if the wind direction and the wind speed change, it takes time for the temperature field on the surface of the resin housing to respond to the changes.

FIG. 8 shows a thermal network of a system including an anemometer and its surroundings as described in Patent Document 1. In an anemometer as described in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 8, the resin housing behaves as a thermal resistance R and a heat capacity C between the central heat source and the surface. Then, the outside air around the resin housing behaves as a thermal resistance Rx and a heat bath Sx. As described above, in the wind direction anemometer described in Patent Document 1, since the resin housing behaves as a heat capacity C between the central heat source and the surface, the temperature field on the surface of the resin housing is the same even if the wind direction and the wind speed change. It takes time to respond to changes. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the wind direction and the wind speed is low.

FIG. 9 shows a thermal network of a system including the anemometer 1 of the present embodiment and its surroundings. As shown in this figure, in the anemometer 1, the housing 2 behaves as a thermal resistance 2R and a heat capacity 2C. Then, the outside air around the housing 2 behaves as a thermal resistance Rx and a heat bath Sx. The heat capacity 2C of the housing 2 is larger than the heat capacity of any of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. The temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16, which are heat sources, are thermally located between the housing 2 and the outside air, and also serve as a temperature sensor.

In this way, the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 themselves are energized to generate heat, so that between a heat source other than air and the temperature sensitive elements 3-1 ..., 3-16. Heat capacity is exhausted. That is, even if the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-1 are attached to the housing 2 having a large heat capacity, the heat capacity of the housing 2 makes the temperature sensitive elements 3-1 ..., 3-16 responsive. The possibility of adverse effects is reduced. Therefore, the response to changes in the wind speed and the wind direction in the anemometer 1 becomes faster.

Moreover, the thermal resistance 2R of the housing 2 is sufficiently larger than the thermal resistance Rx of the outside air. Therefore, the heat generated by the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 is hardly transferred to the housing 2, and is almost transferred only to the outside air as shown by the white arrows in FIG. That is, the heat generated by the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 is directly released to the outside air without going through the housing 2.

In this way, the heat generated by the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 is transferred to the outside air more than the housing 2. Therefore, the possibility that heat is accumulated in the housing 2 and adversely affects the responsiveness of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 is reduced.

With the wind direction and anemometer 1 as described above, when either or both of the wind direction and the wind speed change, the temperature of the surface of the housing 2 is almost hindered by the heat capacity 2C of the housing 2. It changes with a high response speed. As a result, the temperatures of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 also respond quickly to changes in wind speed and direction. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the wind direction and the wind speed is improved.

In fact, as shown in FIG. 10, the difference 91 between the surface temperature and the outside air temperature of the housing 2 in the anemometer 1 of the present embodiment is the difference 90 between the surface temperature and the outside air temperature of the resin housing in the conventional anemometer. Compared to, it drops quickly.

As described above, in the anemometer 1, the wind direction and the wind speed can be measured by controlling the fluctuation of the current value supplied to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment will be described. Similar to the anemometer 1 of the first embodiment, the anemometer 1 of the present embodiment has a housing 2, 16 temperature sensitive elements 3-1 and ..., 3-16, columns 4, wiring 6, and a cable 7. , And a measuring unit 8. The mounting destination of the anemometer 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The configuration of the housing 2 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The configuration and arrangement of the temperature sensing elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The configuration of the support column 4 is also the same as that of the first embodiment.

The connection form of the wiring 6 is different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, in the wiring 6 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 is connected to the measuring unit 8.

The wiring 6 exits from both ends of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16, extends along the surface of the housing 2, and enters the inside of the housing 2. Then, the wiring 6 passes through the inside of the support column 4 after entering the inside of the housing 2, is gathered by the cable 7, and is drawn into the measurement unit 8.

Unlike the first embodiment, the measuring unit 8 of the present embodiment has 16 voltmeters V1, ..., V16, a processing unit 81, and 16 current sources 82-1, ..., 82, as shown in FIG. It has -16. The voltmeters V1, ..., V16 wind direction and anemometer 1 detect the voltage values at both ends of the corresponding temperature sensitive elements and output them to 51, as in the first embodiment.

The current sources 82-1, ..., 82-16 correspond to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 in this order on a one-to-one basis. Each of the current sources 82-1, ..., 82-16 is a circuit that supplies a predetermined current to the corresponding temperature sensitive element. The current values of the currents supplied from the current sources 82-1, ..., 82-16 to the corresponding temperature sensitive elements can be controlled independently of each other by the processing unit 81.

As described above, each of the voltmeters V1, ..., V16 is an electrical physical quantity meter that detects the electrical physical quantity (that is, voltage) of one of the current and the voltage exerted on the corresponding temperature sensitive element. Then, each of the current sources 82-1, ..., 82-16 has an electrical physical quantity (that is, a voltage) different from the electrical physical quantity (that is, voltage) of one of the currents and voltages exerted on the corresponding temperature sensitive elements. It is a power supply that controls (current).

The operation of the anemometer 1 having the above configuration will be described below. First, the processing unit 81 controls the current sources 82-1, ..., 82-16 so that the resistance values of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 all change as shown in FIG.

For this purpose, the processing unit 81 performs the following control with each of the current sources 82-1, ..., 82-16 as the control target. Hereinafter, the current source to be controlled is referred to as a target current source, the temperature sensitive element corresponding to the target current source is referred to as a target temperature sensitive element, and the voltmeter corresponding to the target temperature sensitive element is referred to as a target voltmeter.

The processing unit 81 calculates the resistance value of the target temperature sensitive element based on the current value supplied from the target current source to the target temperature sensitive element and the voltage value output from the target voltmeter. Then, the processing unit 81 increases, decreases, or increases or decreases the current value supplied from the target current source to the target temperature sensitive element so that the resistance value of the target temperature sensitive element becomes the target resistance value based on the calculated resistance value. To maintain. The target resistance value changes as shown in FIG.

Therefore, the processing unit 81 measures the resistance value of the target temperature sensitive element by feedback control using the current value supplied from the target current source to the target temperature sensitive element and the voltage value output from the target voltmeter. The target current source is controlled so as to change as in 14.

By such control, the currents from the current sources 82-1, ..., 82-16 change, and the resistance values of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1 ..., 3-16 become constant high as shown in FIG. A resistance value R ₁ and a constant low resistance value R ₀ lower than the high resistance value R ₁ are alternately shown every 0.25 seconds. As a result, the current value supplied from the current sources 82-1, ..., 82-16 to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 and the resistance value of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1 ..., 3-16 , It fluctuates in a cycle of 0.5 seconds.

Since the resistance values of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 tend to increase as their own temperature rises, the high resistance values R of each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 _When it is 1, the heat flow rate is larger when the resistance value is _{R0 than when it is low.}

Thermosensitive element 3-1, ..., in particular 3-16, the temperature (i.e., outside air temperature) of the air around the temperature sensitive device, wind direction, if the wind speed is the same, if it is a high resistance value R ₁ The heat flow rate and temperature of the temperature sensitive element are the same at any time point.

Similarly, temperature sensing element 3-1, ..., in particular 3-16, if ambient air temperature of the temperature sensitive device (i.e. outside air temperature), wind direction, wind speed is the same, a low resistance value R ₂ If so, the heat flow rate and temperature of the temperature sensitive element are the same at any time point.

The fluctuation cycle of the resistance value is not limited to 0.5 seconds. Further, the ratio of the time length realized by the _{high resistance value R 1} and the time length realized by the low resistance value R ₀ in one cycle of the resistance value fluctuation may be the same or different.

Further, the processing unit 81 is based on the signals input from the voltmeters V1, ..., V16 during the period of controlling the voltage source 83 as described above, and the temperature sensing elements 3-1, ..., 3- For each of 16, the voltage value between both ends is repeatedly specified. Then, the processing unit 81 puts a set of the specified 16 voltage values and the resistance values of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 at the time when the voltage values are realized into a predetermined history area in the RAM. Record.

The period in which the timing for specifying the voltage value occurs is the time when the high resistance value R ₁ is realized and the low resistance value R _{0 in each cycle of the fluctuation of the resistance values of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16.} Short enough to identify the voltage once or multiple times at each point of realization. The timing for specifying the voltage value is the sampling timing, and the cycle in which the sampling timing occurs is the sampling cycle.

Further, the processing unit 81 repeats the processing shown in FIG. 15 (for example, at 1-second intervals longer than 0.5 seconds) during the period in which the voltage source 83 is controlled as described above. In the processing of FIG. 15, the processing unit 81 first in step 105, first, in step 105, a plurality of predetermined continuous fluctuation periods (for example, the latest) specified for each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 in the past. The voltage value and resistance value recorded in the history area at each sampling timing during (3 cycles) are acquired from the RAM. The fluctuation cycle is the fluctuation cycle of the resistance values of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16.

Subsequently, in step 110, the processing unit 81 calculates the temperatures of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 at each sampling timing based on the resistance value acquired in the immediately preceding step 105. _{As a result, the processing unit 81 has a time point at which the high resistance value R 1} is realized and a low resistance value R in each of the plurality of continuous fluctuation cycles in the past of each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. The temperature at both times when _{0 is realized can be obtained.} The temperature corresponding to the resistance value at each sampling timing of each temperature sensitive element can be specified by using the same temperature resistance value table as in the first embodiment.

The temperature in a certain temperature-sensitive element thus obtained in step 110 shows a change in which the maximum value and the minimum value periodically alternate, as illustrated in FIG. When the wind speed of a certain temperature-sensitive element changes, the maximum value T1 and the minimum value T2 in the temperature change of the temperature-sensitive element change, and as a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the difference between the maximum value T1 and the minimum value T2 is Td1. Changes from to Td2.

Following step 110, the processing unit 81, in step 115, based on the voltage value and resistance value acquired in the immediately preceding step 105, per unit time of the temperature sensing elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 at each sampling timing. Calculate the calorific value (that is, the heat flow rate) of. _{As a result, the processing unit 81 has a time point at which the high resistance value R 1} is realized and a low resistance value R in each of the plurality of continuous fluctuation cycles in the past of each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. The heat flow rate at both times when _{0 is realized can be obtained.}

The method of calculating the heat flow rate of the temperature sensitive element at that time from the voltage value and the resistance value at each sampling timing of each temperature sensitive element is as follows. That is, the processing unit 81 divides the resistance value of the temperature sensitive element at that time from the square of the voltage value applied to both ends of the temperature sensitive element at that time. As a result, the heat flow rate of the temperature sensitive element at that time can be obtained. The processing contents from step 120 to step 150 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

As described above, even in the anemometer 1 in which the resistance values of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 are controlled as in the present embodiment, the resistances of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1 ..., 3-16 By controlling the fluctuation of the value, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, the third embodiment will be described. Similar to the anemometer 1 of the first embodiment, the anemometer 1 of the present embodiment has a housing 2, 16 temperature sensitive elements 3-1 and ..., 3-16, columns 4, wiring 6, and a cable 7. , And a measuring unit 8. The mounting destination of the anemometer 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The configuration of the housing 2 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The configuration and arrangement of the temperature sensing elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The configuration of the support column 4 is also the same as that of the first embodiment.

The connection form of the wiring 6 is different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, in the wiring 6 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 16, the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 are connected in parallel, and the temperature sensitive elements 3- Each of 1, ..., 3-16 is connected to the measuring unit 8.

The wiring 6 exits from both ends of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16, extends along the surface of the housing 2, and enters the inside of the housing 2. Then, the wiring 6 passes through the inside of the support column 4 after entering the inside of the housing 2, is gathered by the cable 7, and is drawn into the measurement unit 8.

Unlike the first embodiment, the measuring unit 8 of the present embodiment has 16 ammeters A1, ..., A16, a processing unit 81, and a voltage source 83, as shown in FIG. The ammeters A1, ..., A16 have a one-to-one correspondence with the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 in this order. Each of the ammeters A1, ..., A16 is connected in series with the corresponding temperature sensitive element. The detection results of the ammeters A1, ..., A16 are input to the processing unit 81.

The hardware configuration of the processing unit 81 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The voltage source 83 is a circuit that applies a predetermined voltage to each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. The voltage value applied from the voltage source 83 can be controlled by the processing unit 81.

As described above, each of the ammeters A1, ..., And A16 is an electrical physical quantity meter that detects the electrical physical quantity (that is, the current) of one of the current and the voltage exerted on the corresponding temperature-sensitive element. Then, the voltage source 83 uses the electrical physical quantity (that is, voltage) of the other of the currents and voltages exerted on the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16, which is different from the electrical physical quantity (that is, the current) of one of the above. It is a power supply to control.

The operation of the anemometer 1 having the above configuration will be described below. First, the processing unit 81 controls the voltage source 83 so that the voltage values applied to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 change as shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the voltage source 83 alternately switches between a _{constant high voltage value V 1} and a constant low voltage value V ₀ lower than the high voltage value V _{1 every 0.25 seconds.} It is applied to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. As a result, the voltage values applied from the voltage source 83 to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 fluctuate in a cycle of 0.5 seconds.

In each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16, the heat flow rate is larger _{when the high voltage value V 1} is flowing than when the low voltage value V _{0 is flowing.}

In each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16, if the temperature (that is, outside air temperature), wind direction, and wind speed of the air around the temperature sensitive element are the same, a high voltage value V ₁ is applied. The heat flow rate and temperature of the temperature sensitive element in the case are the same at any time point.

Similarly, temperature sensing element 3-1, ..., in particular 3-16, the temperature sensitive device ambient air temperature (i.e., outside air temperature), wind direction, if the wind speed is the same, the low voltage value V ₂ is applied If so, the heat flow rate and temperature of the temperature sensitive element are the same at any time point.

The fluctuation cycle of the voltage value applied from the voltage source 83 is not limited to 0.5 seconds. Further, the ratio of the time length realized by the _{high voltage value V 1} and the time length realized by the low voltage value V ₀ in one cycle of the voltage value fluctuation may be the same or different.

Further, the processing unit 81 is based on the signals input from the ammeters A1, ..., A16 during the period of controlling the voltage source 83 as described above, and the temperature sensing elements 3-1, ..., 3- The 16 current values of the current flowing through 16 are repeatedly specified. Then, the processing unit 81 sets the set of the specified 16 current values and the voltage values applied to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 from the voltage source 83 at the time when the current values are realized, in the RAM. Record in a predetermined history area inside.

The period in which the timing for specifying the current value occurs is the time when the high voltage value V ₁ is realized and the low voltage value in each cycle of the fluctuation of the voltage value applied to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. It is short enough that the voltage can be specified once or multiple times at each point in time when _{V 0 is realized.} The timing for specifying the current value is the sampling timing, and the cycle in which the sampling timing occurs is the sampling cycle.

Further, the processing unit 81 repeats the processing shown in FIG. 18 (for example, at 1-second intervals longer than 0.5 seconds) during the period in which the voltage source 83 is controlled as described above. In the processing of FIG. 18, the processing unit 81 first in step 105, first, in step 105, a plurality of predetermined continuous fluctuation periods (for example, the latest) specified for each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 in the past. The current value and the voltage value recorded in the history area at each sampling timing in (3 cycles) are acquired from the RAM. The fluctuation cycle is a fluctuation cycle of the supplied current value applied to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16.

Subsequently, in step 110, the processing unit 81 calculates the temperatures of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 at each sampling timing based on the current value and the voltage value acquired in the immediately preceding step 105. As a result, the processing unit 81 sets the time point at which the high current value I 1 is realized and the low current value I _{1 in} each of the plurality of continuous fluctuation cycles in the past of each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. The temperature at both times when _{0 is realized can be obtained.} The method of calculating the temperature of the temperature sensitive element at that time from the voltage value and the current value at each sampling timing of each temperature sensitive element is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The temperature in a certain temperature-sensitive element thus obtained in step 110 shows a change in which the maximum value and the minimum value periodically alternate, as illustrated in FIG. When the wind speed of a certain temperature-sensitive element changes, the maximum value T1 and the minimum value T2 in the temperature change of the temperature-sensitive element change, and as a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the difference between the maximum value T1 and the minimum value T2 is Td1. Changes from to Td2.

Following step 110, the processing unit 81 per unit time of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 at each sampling timing based on the voltage value and the current value acquired in the immediately preceding step 105 in step 115. Calculate the calorific value (that is, the heat flow rate) of. _{As a result, the processing unit 81 sets the time point at which the high voltage value V 1} is realized and the low voltage value V at each of the plurality of continuous fluctuation cycles in the past of each of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16. The heat flow rate at both times when _{0 is realized can be obtained.} The method of calculating the heat flow rate of the temperature sensitive element at that time from the voltage value and the current value at each sampling timing of each temperature sensitive element is the same as that of the first embodiment. The processing contents from step 120 to step 150 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

As described above, even in the anemometer 1 in which the voltage applied to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 is controlled as in the present embodiment, the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 By controlling the fluctuation of the applied voltage value, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. Further, the above-described embodiments are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined unless the combination is clearly impossible. Further, in each of the above embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential except when it is clearly stated that they are essential and when it is clearly considered to be essential in principle. Further, in each of the above embodiments, when numerical values such as the number, numerical values, amounts, and ranges of the constituent elements of the embodiment are mentioned, when it is clearly stated that they are particularly essential, and in principle, the number is clearly limited to a specific number. It is not limited to the specific number except when it is done. In particular, when a plurality of values are exemplified for a certain amount, it is also possible to adopt a value between the plurality of values unless otherwise specified or when it is clearly impossible in principle. .. Further, in each of the above embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of a component or the like, the shape, unless otherwise specified or limited in principle to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. It is not limited to the positional relationship. Further, the present invention also allows the following modifications and equivalent range modifications for each of the above embodiments. In addition, the following modified examples can be independently selected to be applied or not applied to the above-described embodiment. That is, any combination of the following modifications can be applied to the above embodiment.

(Modification example 1)
In the first, second, and third embodiments, an anemometer that measures both the wind direction and the wind speed is exemplified. However, the method using the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 that generate heat in order to improve the responsiveness is also applicable to an anemometer of the type that measures only the wind direction among the wind direction and the wind speed. It can also be applied to anemometers that measure only the wind speed out of the wind direction and speed. The anemometer 1 in the first, second, and third embodiments is a kind of anemometer because it measures the wind direction, and is also a kind of anemometer because it measures the wind speed.

(Modification 2)
In the first, second, and third embodiments, the number of temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 is 16. However, the number of temperature sensitive elements may be more or less than 16. Further, if the wind speed is detected and the wind direction is not detected, the number of temperature sensitive elements may be one.

(Modification example 3)
The processing unit 81 may calculate the wind direction by another method instead of the methods of steps 145 and 150. For example, the processing unit 81 identifies the temperature-sensitive element having the lowest temperature among the temperatures of the 16 temperature-sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 at a predetermined sampling timing, and the temperature-sensing element. The direction from the center position of the housing 2 to the center of the housing 2 may be specified as the wind direction.

(Modification example 4)
A temperature-sensitive element that is arranged at a position that is thermally affected by the flowing air and whose electrical characteristics change according to its own temperature is not limited to a resistor whose resistance value changes according to its own temperature, for example, thermoelectricity. It may be a pair.

(Modification 5)
In the above embodiment, it calculates the wind direction and wind speed without using the outside air temperature T _A, may even not necessarily like this. For example, in the first embodiment, if only to achieve a high response, processor 81 obtains the outside air temperature T _A from the outside air temperature sensor detects the wind speed and direction using the outside air temperature T _A obtained You may. In that case, the current value applied from the current source 82 to the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 may be constant.

(Modification 6)
In the above embodiment, the temperature sensitive device 3-1, ..., 3-16 but is adapted to generate heat themselves, if only for detecting the wind speed without using the outside air temperature T _A, without themselves heating May be good. In that case, for example, as in Patent Document 1, the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 may receive heat from the heater arranged in the center of the housing 2 to raise the temperature. .. In this case, a thermocouple may be used as the temperature sensitive element instead of the variable resistor.

(Modification 7)
In the second embodiment, the current sources 82-1, ..., 82-16 energize the temperature sensitive element so that the _{resistance values alternately realize the high resistance value R 1} and the low resistance value R _0. Then, the processing unit 81, the temperature sensitive device 3-1, ..., voltmeter V1 when a resistance value of the high resistance value _{R 1} of 3-16, ..., V16 are detected voltage (i.e., one electrical Q1 and T1 are specified based on the physical quantity). Further, the processing unit 81 has a voltage detected by the voltmeters V1, ..., V16 when the resistance values of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 are low resistance values _{R0 (that is, one of the electrical values).} Q2 and T2 are specified based on the physical quantity).

However, the voltage source may energize the temperature sensitive element so that the _{resistance value alternately realizes the high resistance value R 1} and the low resistance value R _0. In that case, processor 81, the temperature sensitive device 3-1, ..., ammeter A1 when a resistance value of the high resistance value _{R 1} of 3-16, ..., A16 detects current (i.e., one of the electrical Q1 and T1 may be specified based on the physical quantity). Further, the processing unit 81 has a voltage detected by the ammeters A1, ..., A16 when the resistance values of the temperature sensitive elements 3-1, ..., 3-16 are low resistance values _{R0 (that is, one of the electrical values).} Q2 and T2 may be specified based on the physical quantity).

(summary)
According to the first aspect shown in part or all of each of the above embodiments, the anemometer is located at a position that is thermally affected by the flowing air and has an electrical resistance value according to its own temperature. A temperature-sensitive element whose temperature is changed, and a processing unit that detects the wind speed of the air based on the temperature of the temperature-sensitive element. The temperature sensitive element is energized from a power source to generate heat when the processing unit detects the wind speed.

As described above, since the temperature sensitive element itself is energized to generate heat, the heat capacity between the heat source other than air and the temperature sensitive element is eliminated. Therefore, the response of the anemometer to a change in wind speed becomes faster.

Further, according to the second aspect, the anemometer includes a housing having a heat capacity larger than that of the temperature sensing element, and the temperature sensing element is arranged on the surface of the housing.

As described above, even if the temperature-sensitive element is arranged in the housing having a large heat capacity, the possibility that the heat capacity of the housing adversely affects the responsiveness of the temperature-sensitive element is reduced. Therefore, the response of the anemometer to a change in wind speed becomes faster.

Further, according to the third viewpoint, the thermal resistance of the housing is larger than the thermal resistance of the air. In this way, more heat generated by the temperature sensitive element is transferred to the outside air than to the housing. Therefore, the possibility that heat is accumulated in the housing and adversely affects the responsiveness of the temperature sensitive element is reduced.

Further, according to the fourth aspect, the anemometer is an electrical physical quantity meter (V1, ..., V16, A1, ..., A16) that detects the electrical physical quantity of one of the current and the voltage exerted on the temperature sensitive element. ) Is provided. The power supply controls the electrical physical quantity of the current and the voltage exerted on the temperature sensitive element, which is different from the electrical physical quantity of the one. The processing unit detects the wind speed based on the other electrical physical quantity controlled by the power supply and the one electrical physical quantity detected by the electrical physical quantity meter. By using an electrical physical quantity meter and a power source having such a relationship, the processing unit can detect the wind speed.

Further, according to the fifth viewpoint, the anemometer is arranged at a position where it is thermally affected by the flowing air, and the electric resistance value changes according to its own temperature (3). -1, ..., 3-16) and a processing unit (81) that detects the wind direction of the air based on the temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensitive elements. The plurality of temperature sensitive elements are energized from a power source to generate heat when the processing unit detects the wind direction.

As described above, since the temperature sensitive element itself is energized to generate heat, the heat capacity between the heat source other than air and the temperature sensitive element is eliminated. Therefore, the anemometer responds faster to changes in the wind direction.

Further, according to the sixth viewpoint, the anemometer is arranged at a position where it is thermally affected by the flowing air, and the temperature rises due to the heat derived from other than the air, and the electrical characteristics are changed according to its own temperature. It is provided with a temperature sensitive element (3-1, ..., 3-16) in which the temperature changes, and a processing unit (81) that detects the wind speed of the air based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensitive element. The processing unit includes the first temperature of the temperature sensitive element when the heat flow from the temperature sensitive element to the air is the first heat flow rate, the first heat flow rate, and the temperature sensitive element to the air. The wind velocity of the air is calculated based on the second temperature of the temperature sensitive element and the second heat flow rate when the heat flow rate is a second heat flow rate different from the first heat flow rate. The wind velocity calculated by the processing unit increases as the absolute value of the amount obtained by subtracting the first heat flow rate from the second heat flow rate increases, and the first heat flow rate is subtracted from the second heat flow rate. The larger the absolute value of the quantity, the smaller it becomes.

Heat flow Q flowing from an object in the surrounding, the heat transfer coefficient from the object to the surrounding air h, the temperature T of the object, between the ambient temperature (i.e., outside air temperature) T _A of the object is, Q = relationship that h × _{(T-T A)} is known to have.

Inventors focused on this relationship, the temperature of the object over time varies, and, if the outside air temperature T _A does not vary over time, we have found that the following two equations are compatible.
_{Q1 = h × (T1-T} A)
_{Q2 = h × (T2-T} A)
Here, Q1 and T1 are the heat flow rate flowing from the object to the surroundings and the temperature of the object at a certain time point. Further, Q2 and T2 are the heat flow rate flowing from the object to the surroundings and the temperature of the object at different time points, respectively.

The inventors, when by simultaneous these two equations erasing T _A,
h = (Q2-Q1) / (T2-T1)
I found that the formula can be obtained. Since it is possible to calculate the wind speed from the heat transfer coefficient h, according to this equation, it is possible to calculate the Q1, Q2, T1, wind speed without knowing the outside temperature T _A Knowing the amount equivalent to T2 can. Then, the first heat flow rate corresponds to Q1, the first temperature corresponds to T1, the second heat flow rate corresponds to Q2, and the second temperature corresponds to T2. Therefore, with the above configuration, the wind speed can be detected without requiring an outside air temperature sensor.

Further, according to the seventh aspect, the anemometer includes a voltmeter (V1, ..., V16) that detects a voltage value applied to the temperature sensitive element. The electric resistance value of the temperature sensitive element changes according to the temperature of the temperature sensitive element, and the power supply has a predetermined high current value (I ₁ ) and the high current value of the current value supplied to the temperature sensitive element. The temperature sensitive element is energized so as to alternately realize a predetermined low current value (I _{0) smaller than that.} The processing unit has the first heat flow rate and the first heat flow rate based on the voltage value and the high current value detected by the voltmeter when the current value supplied to the temperature sensitive element is the high current value. The second heat flow rate and the said Identify the second temperature. In this way, the wind speed can be measured by controlling the fluctuation of the current value supplied to the temperature sensitive element.

Further, according to the eighth viewpoint, the anemometer is an electrical physical quantity meter (V1, ..., V16, A1, ..., A16) that detects the electrical physical quantity of one of the current and the voltage exerted on the temperature sensitive element. ) Is provided. The electric resistance value of the temperature sensitive element changes according to the temperature of the temperature sensitive element. The power source energizes the temperature sensitive element so that the electric resistance value alternately realizes a predetermined high resistance value (R ₁ ) and a predetermined low resistance value (R _{0) smaller than the high resistance value.} .. The processing unit has the first heat flow rate and the first temperature based on the one of the electric physical quantities detected by the electric physical quantity meter when the electric resistance value of the temperature sensitive element is the high resistance value. The second heat flow rate and the second temperature are determined based on the one of the electric physical quantities detected by the electric physical quantity meter when the electric resistance value of the temperature sensitive element is the low resistance value. Identify. In this way, the wind speed can be measured by controlling the fluctuation of the electric resistance value of the temperature sensitive element.

Further, according to the ninth aspect, the anemometer includes an ammeter (A1, ..., A16) for detecting the current value supplied to the temperature sensitive element. The electric resistance value of the temperature sensitive element changes according to the temperature of the temperature sensitive element. The power supply alternately realizes a predetermined high voltage value (V ₁ ) and a predetermined low voltage value (V _{0) smaller than the high voltage value.} Energize the temperature sensitive element. The processing unit has the first heat flow rate and the first heat flow rate based on the current value and the high voltage value detected by the current meter when the voltage value applied to the temperature sensitive element is the high voltage value. The second heat flow rate and the said Identify the second temperature. In this way, the wind speed can be measured by controlling the fluctuation of the voltage value applied to the temperature sensitive element.

1 Anemometer 2 Housing 3-1, ..., 3-16 Temperature sensitive element 81 Processing unit 82, 82-1, ..., 82-16 Current source 83 Voltage source

Claims (3)

A temperature-sensitive element (3-1, ..., 3-16) that is arranged at a position that is thermally affected by the flowing air and whose electrical resistance value changes according to its own temperature .
A housing (2) having a heat capacity larger than that of the temperature-sensitive element
A processing unit (81) for detecting the wind speed of the air based on the temperature of the temperature sensitive element is provided.
The temperature sensitive element is arranged on the surface of the housing, and when the processing unit detects the wind speed, it is energized from a power source (82, 82-1, ..., 82-16, 83) to generate heat. Fever ,
An anemometer characterized in that the thermal resistance of the housing is larger than the thermal resistance of the air. The electric physical quantity meter (V1, ..., V16, A1, ..., A16) for detecting the electric physical quantity of one of the current and the voltage applied to the temperature sensitive element is provided.
The power supply controls the electric physical quantity of the current and the voltage exerted on the temperature sensitive element, which is different from the electric physical quantity of the one.
The anemometer according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit detects the wind speed based on the other electrical physical quantity controlled by the power source and the one electrical physical quantity detected by the electrical physical quantity meter. A plurality of temperature-sensitive elements (3-1, ..., 3-16) that are arranged at positions that are thermally affected by the flowing air and whose electrical resistance value changes according to their own temperature .
A housing (2) having a heat capacity larger than that of each of the plurality of temperature sensitive elements,
A processing unit (81) for detecting the wind direction of the air based on the temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensitive elements is provided.
The plurality of temperature sensitive elements are arranged on the surface of the housing, and are energized from a power source (82, 82-1, ..., 82-16, 83) when the processing unit detects the wind direction. fever and,
An anemometer characterized in that the thermal resistance of the housing is larger than the thermal resistance of the air.

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